Anna van Oostenrijk, koningin-moeder van Frankrijk, rekenpenning geslagen op last van de stad Doornik 1655

Editor: Here we have a bronze reckoning medal from 1655, a portrait of Anna of Austria, Queen Mother of France, commissioned by the city of Doornik. It's amazing how something so small can carry so much history! What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: Oh, isn’t she a fascinating little storyteller! I see Doornik whispering to us from across the centuries, using Anna's regal image as its mouthpiece. She’s more than a queen here; she’s a symbol of power, a lucky charm for trade, perhaps. What do you make of that imposing tower on the reverse side? Editor: It reminds me of a fortress, suggesting strength or resilience. But why a tower on a medal commemorating a queen? Curator: Perhaps it's Doornik boasting of its defenses, associating its steadfastness with Anna’s own resilience as a ruling figure. It also seems rather brave for this city to honor a queen so prominently on their currency; you almost wonder if there was a very personal relationship to the monarchy, no? Editor: It definitely feels like there’s a story beyond the surface! The combination of her portrait and the tower creates this impression of combined royal and city power. What does it tell us about the time it was created? Curator: I think of religious conflicts; political maneuvers; maybe the artist or commissioner sought a particular statement about civic pride intertwined with dynastic authority. It seems as if these little tokens could become very powerful expressions. Editor: It makes you consider things from an entirely different point of view. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure! It’s been delightful journeying with you through this miniature monument.